Online Doctor of Ministry

The Online DMin degree is a three-year, thirty-credit advanced program focusing on public ministry. The DMin curriculum will equip leaders for serious engagement with significant public issues from the perspective of diverse religious, spiritual, and ethical traditions. This fully online degree is organized around CTS’s Mission and Commitments of Interreligious Engagement, the Study of Black Faith and Life, LGBTQ+ Religious Studies, and Chaplaincy Studies. The partnership with the Bayan Islamic Graduate School will allow students to pursue a degree at CTS that prepares them for Islamic Religious Leadership. A faculty advisor will work closely with each student to identify appropriate advanced courses and research questions that bring the school’s distinctive emphases to bear on specific issues in religious leadership. Such issues might involve traditional practices of ministry such as preaching, worship, pastoral care or more specialized ministries such as those associated with social service agencies, community activism, or specific types of chaplaincy.

View the Most Recent Handbook

Application Due Date: February 1
Tuition: TBA

Program Goals
At the conclusion of the CTS DMin program, a student will be able to:

• Reflect critically from the perspective of diverse religious, spiritual, and ethical traditions integrated with advanced theories of leadership in order to engage significant public issues effectively
• Analyze the religious and social dimensions of particular, real-world contexts so as to design fresh approaches to public ministry
• Demonstrate growth in spiritual wisdom, personal integrity, and the competencies necessary for effective leadership in public ministry
• Communicate persuasively insights gained from research and reflection on significant social issues in ministry both to peers in ministry and to the wider public

Learning Outcomes

1. Integrating Theory, Theology, and Leadership: Demonstrate advanced critical thinking within a student’s lifestance or tradition, and the ability to integrate that knowledge with theories of religious leadership that can transform individual and communal practices to advance justice and mercy in the world.
2. Contextual Understanding: Design and implement a focused research project that demonstrates deep understanding of a particular cultural context and the ecology of public ministry in that context.
3. Leadership in Public Ministry with ethical and spiritual integrity: Demonstrate advanced understanding of and increased personal capacity in the practical skills, cultural competencies, and professional characteristics necessary for leadership in the work of public ministry.
4. Persuasive Communication: Write a coherent and persuasive thesis and demonstrate the ability to communicate insights gained from DMin research and their relevance to peers in ministry and to the wider public to promote effective strategies for change.

Master of Divinity

Our Master of Divinity degree is a three-year program designed to prepare you for transformative religious leadership in the church and society, often in an ordained capacity. This program combines critical reflection with real life application – emphasizing doing ministry and studying theology in the context of community – with consideration given to the wide and varied spectrums of history, culture, and theological perspective. The emphasis placed upon self awareness and the development of transferable leadership skills, also makes this degree appropriate if you are preparing to serve in non-church and non-traditional ministry settings such as: health care facilities, human service organizations, governmental agencies, not-for-profit agencies, business and academic environments, community organizations, advocacy organizations, and in the public square. You can also choose to complete one of six concentrations in the MDiv Program: Chaplaincy Studies, LGBTQ Studies, Interreligious Engagement, Islamic Chaplaincy, Muslim Studies, and the Study of Black Faith & Life.

CTS now offers a fully-accredited MDiv online. This first-of-its-kind degree program allows you to study here regardless of location. Learn more about our online degrees here.

 

Concentrations:

1. CHAPLAINCY STUDIES: Today, ministry is being engaged in public spaces far beyond the walls of churches. Chaplains are rooted and accountable to their religious tradition, but they serve people and communities who may have different religious backgrounds or have no religious affiliation. Various contexts, including hospital, military, prison, campus, and hospice, need highly trained chaplains who can faithfully serve the spiritual needs of all of God’s children. Chicago Theological Seminary’s unique course offerings, faculty expertise, and interreligious engagement support students’ vocational discernment and equip them for professional success. All students must complete the required course, Introduction to Chaplaincy Studies and 3 additional electives in the area of Chaplaincy Studies.

2. LGBTQ STUDIES: The program concentration in LGBTQ studies is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons, including professionals in fields other than ministry, who wish to explore LGBTQ issues within a theological framework. To qualify for the LGBTQ Concentration, a minimum of 4 elective courses in the area of LGBTQ Studies must be taken.

3. INTERRELIGIOUS ENGAGEMENT: This concentration is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons who wish to explore issues in Interreligious Engagement and the study of diverse religious traditions. Students who choose to concentrate in Interreligious Engagement may take courses toward the concentration either at CTS or via pre-approved courses at other Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) seminaries. All students must complete the required course, Introduction to Interreligious Engagement and 3 additional electives in the area of Interreligious Engagement.

4. STUDY OF BLACK FAITH & LIFE: This concentration is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons, including professionals in fields other than ministry, who wish to explore issues in the study of Black Faith and Life within a theological framework. Students who choose to concentrate in the Study of Black Faith & Life may take courses toward the concentration either at CTS or via pre-approved courses at other Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) seminaries. All students must complete the required Introduction to the Study of Black Faith & Life and 3 electives in the area of Study of Black Faith & Life.

5. ISLAMIC CHAPLAINCY: This concentration, offered in agreement with Bayan Chicago, provides students with knowledge of the Islamic intellectual tradition, of theoretical and applied aspects of chaplaincy in institutional and community contexts, and competency in counseling, spiritual care, and related duties of chaplaincy. The concentration prepares students to serve as Islamic chaplains in a variety of contexts.

6. MUSLIM STUDIES: This concentration is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons who wish to deeply explore the field of Muslim Studies. Students who choose to concentrate in Muslim Studies may take courses toward the concentration either at CTS, through Bayan, via pre-approved courses at other Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) seminaries, or via pre-approved courses at other graduate institutions. All students must complete the required Introduction to Muslim Studies and 3 electives in the area of Muslim Studies.

 

Theological Field Education:

For MDiv students, Theological Field Education at CTS includes fulfilling two site placement requirements – Clinical Pastoral Education and a Parish or Community Field Placement. Fulfilling these requirements gives students hands-on ministry experiences that further enhance their abilities to connect theological theory to theological practice, in a wide variety of contexts.

MDiv students typically undertake their field education during their second or third year at CTS; timing will vary according to your particular scheduling needs, as full-time or part-time students. The Director of Theological Field Education and the Registrar will work closely with you as you complete your requirements for field education and the MDiv degree.

 

Program Goals and Learning Outcomes:

PROGRAM GOALS

At the conclusion of the CTS MDiv program, a student will be able:

• to engage in critical thinking based in mastery of foundational theological disciplines and methods of interpretation while demonstrating an ability to apply such knowledge critically to new challenges in ways that foster the increase of justice and mercy.
• to make compassionate connection with others, especially those who inhabit different cultural contexts and those who are suffering in a world stratified by social and economic class.
• to embody ethical-spiritual integrity in self while promoting it in others, as one develops an authentic embodiment of faith in life through spiritual practices, liturgies, beliefs and wisdom.
• to undertake concrete strategic action that is spiritually grounded and value-rich to promote the increase of justice and mercy.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Develop Critical Thinking

• Demonstrate knowledge of sacred texts most significant to you; knowledge of its history, tradition, and methods of interpretation; and the capacity to bring scriptural wisdom into critical engagement with current crises and opportunities.
• Demonstrate knowledge of historical, systematic, and constructive theology, and the capacity to bring theological insight into critical engagement with current crises and opportunities.
• Demonstrate knowledge of multiple cultural contexts and capacity for critical theological reflection that takes contextual issues seriously.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to critically engage with at least one spiritual lifestance other than your own.

2. Cultivate compassionate connection

• Engage and collaborate across lines of difference, privilege and power.
• Demonstrate ability to offer quality pastoral care and wise ethical guidance to individuals and communities.

3. Promote ethical-spiritual integrity

• Engage in sustained, critical, and effective theological and ethical reflection on the practice of ministry in the parish and other contexts.
• Seek greater and greater coherence between one’s publicly stated beliefs and values and one’s personal and communal practices.

4. Support concrete strategic action

• Communicate effectively, orally and in written form, both interpersonally and publicly.
• Demonstrate ability to identify and analyze social structures of oppression and to propose and implement strategies of change.

Distance Scholar & Audit Options

Distance Scholar – Online or On-Campus

A Distance Scholar is a student who wishes to take a single course for academic credit online or in-person, with permission of the Dean or Instructor. The Distance Scholar application is brief and focused. Courses taken as a Distance Scholar can be applied to a degree program if you are admitted at a later time.

Learn more about our online degrees and programs here

 

Audit a Course for No Credit

Individuals may choose to take a course and receive no academic credit for a cost of $300. At the conclusion of the term, the instructor must verify to the Registrar that the student did, in fact, audit the course. Requirements for auditors are set individually by each instructor.

Click here to apply to audit a course

Student At Large

Student At Large Status allows you to take courses in an area of interest at your own pace without the expectation to complete the requirements of a degree program. Students At Large may attain a Certificate of Theological Studies, if they successfully completes six courses. Many students, studying under the status of Student At Large, decide to apply for admission to a degree program at a later date.

CTS now offers Student At Large online. This first-of-its-kind program allows you to study here regardless of location. Learn more about our online degrees and programs here.

Certificate Program

The Certificate in Theological Studies offers religious education to those who want to study in the seminary setting – without admission to a master’s degree program. This program allows you to select six courses of your choosing, with the permission of each professor. You can also choose to complete one of six concentrations in the Certificate: Chaplaincy Studies, Ministry Preparation, LGBTQ Studies, Interreligious Engagement, Study of Black Faith & Life, and Muslim Studies. The Certificate can be completed entirely through online courses, entirely through face-to-face courses, or through a combination of online and face-to-face courses (including January and Summer week-long intensives).

CTS now offers a Certificate in Theological Studies online. This first-of-its-kind program allows you to study here regardless of location. Learn more about our online degrees and programs here.

Chaplaincy Studies

Today, ministry is being engaged in public spaces far beyond the walls of churches. Chaplains are rooted and accountable to their religious tradition, but they serve people and communities who may have different religious backgrounds or have no religious affiliation. Various contexts, including hospital, military, prison, campus, and hospice, need highly trained chaplains who can faithfully serve the spiritual needs of all of God’s children. Chicago Theological Seminary’s unique course offerings, faculty expertise, and inter-religious engagement support students’ vocational discernment and equip them for professional success. All students must complete the required course, Introduction to Chaplaincy Studies and 3 additional electives in the area of Chaplaincy Studies.

Islamic Chaplaincy

Today, ministry is being engaged in public spaces far beyond the walls of churches. Chaplains are rooted and accountable to their religious tradition, but they serve people and communities who may have different religious backgrounds or have no religious affiliation. Various contexts, including hospital, military, prison, campus, and hospice, need highly trained chaplains with a specialization in Islamic chaplaincy. This concentration is offered in coordination with Bayan. All students must complete the required course, Introduction to Chaplaincy Studies, three courses offered through Bayan, and two additional CTS electives in the area of Chaplaincy Studies.

Ministry Preparation

This concentration is appropriate for any student who seeks preparation for ministry, but are not necessarily interested in pursuing a degree. This concentration may provide an appropriate foundation for alternate paths to ministry within the United Church of Christ. However, individuals should work closely with their conferences and associations to ascertain that the coursework they complete will be appropriate given each conference’s requirements for those pursuing alternate paths to ministry.

LGBTQ Studies

The Certificate Concentration in LGBTQ studies is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons, including professionals in fields other than ministry, who wish to explore LGBTQ issues within a theological framework, but are not necessarily interested in pursuing a degree. To qualify for the LGBTQ Concentration, a minimum of 4 of the 6 courses must be drawn from the list of courses identified by the Faculty as satisfying the Concentration requirement. The remaining courses can focus on any subject in theology or religious studies.

Interreligious Engagement

This Certificate is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons who wish to explore issues in Interreligious Engagement and the study of diverse religious traditions, but are not necessarily interested in pursuing a degree. Certificate students who choose to concentrate in Interreligious Engagement may take courses toward the concentration either at CTS or via pre-approved courses at other Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) seminaries. All students must complete the required course, Introduction to Interreligious Engagement.

Study of Black Faith & Life

This Certificate is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons, including professionals in fields other than ministry, who wish to explore issues in the study of Black Faith and Life within a theological framework, but are not necessarily interested in pursuing a degree. Certificate students who choose to concentrate in the Study of Black Faith & Life may take courses toward the concentration either at CTS or via pre-approved courses at other Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) seminaries. All students must complete the required Introduction to the Study of Black Faith and Life.

Muslim Studies

This Certificate is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons who wish to deeply explore Muslim Studies. Students who choose to concentrate in Muslim Studies may take courses toward the concentration either at CTS, via pre-approved courses at other Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) seminaries, or via pre-approved courses at other graduate institutions. All students must complete the required Introduction to Muslim Studies and 3 electives in the area of Muslim Studies.

Doctor of Philosophy

Our PhD program is not accepting new applicants for the 2025-2026 academic year. We are evaluating our academic offerings as part of our reaccreditation self-study with the Association of Theological Schools. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please feel free to contact the admissions office with any questions.

Mission Statement:

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree program of the Chicago Theological Seminary educates persons to reflect synthetically on religion, social justice, and culture by encouraging interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches to texts and contexts.  We advise and mentor leaders to become scholars who will work at the highest levels of teaching and research within the academy, religious communities, and the public square.

 

Program Description:

The CTS PhD program is an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary degree emphasizing cultural criticism and textual hermeneutics oriented toward social justice.  Students in the program have multiple areas of inquiry around which they can focus their studies. These areas of inquiry match the core strengths of the faculty and the commitments of the program, which are in alignment with the current racial and ethnic diversity of our faculty. Under the areas of inquiry design, the student’s research interests determine the student’s scholarly trajectory and guide them as they develop their programs of study.

AREAS OF INQUIRY

• Sacred Texts & Hermeneutical Strategies
• America As An African Diaspora
• Womanist Religious Studies
• World Feminisms
• Interreligious Studies
• LGBTQ Studies
• Theology & Cultural Criticism

The students are supported by faculty mentoring and by the passion of the pedagogies taught by the faculty. Rather than simply making space for differing perspectives, our program values the students’ cultural specificity and epistemologies.  We work to promote new disciplinary attitudes and mentor students to be confident in their core competencies that have been nurtured by valuing diversity.

 

Course of Study:

COURSEWORK

In the initial coursework phase of the program, students are required to take 12 courses, of which “Contemporary Hermeneutical Strategies” and “Pedagogy” are required.  Students must also attend one non-credit course that will meet periodically over one academic year to support the students’ professional development.

LANGUAGE EXAMS

Students must take 2 language exams.

COMPREHENSIVE EXAMS

Students must take four written qualifying exams, followed immediately by an oral examination based on (1) a preliminary dissertation proposal prepared by the student and (2) the written exams.

• Exam Topic 1: History and Theory of a Primary Field
• Exam Topic 2: Major Figure or Sacred Text/body of Texts
• Exam Topic 3: Concentration
• Exam Topic 4: Issue

DISSERTATION

After the oral examination of the written exams and the dissertation proposal, students are admitted to candidacy, and spend the remainder of the program writing their dissertations, which conclude with an oral dissertation exam.

 

Program Goals and Learning Outcomes:

PROGRAM GOALS

• Graduates should have a thorough understanding of primary and cognate fields of study and sufficient mastery of supporting language and research tools.
• Graduates should be able to apply knowledge in a teaching context.
• Graduates should be able to engage in original research that advances theological, ethical, and/or biblical knowledge.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Demonstrate ability to conduct original research that advances theological, ethical, and/or biblical knowledge.
• Demonstrate skills appropriate for teaching college or graduate level classes.
• Demonstrate ability to synthesize interdisciplinary knowledge.
• Demonstrate ability to relate texts to contexts.
• Demonstrate capacity for critical analysis.
• Demonstrate a breadth and depth of understanding of primary fields.
• Demonstrate understanding of cognate areas.

 

International Students

Due to the multiple online modalities of our PhD courses, it will be difficult for CTS to issue I-20 forms needed for F-1 visas for international students wishing to study in the US. International students, however, may study and complete their PhD remotely from their home countries.

Master of Sacred Theology

Our STM program is not accepting new applicants for the 2025-2026 academic year. We are evaluating our academic offerings as part of our reaccreditation self-study with the Association of Theological Schools. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please feel free to contact the admissions office with any questions.

The Master of Sacred Theology is a one-year program of advanced study beyond the Master of Divinity (or its equivalent.). It’s designed for students who wish to study a theological topic with an advanced focus. Emphasis is placed on cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural approaches to biblical, ethical, and theological studies. The Master of Sacred Theology program is ideal if you’re seeking additional academic preparation prior to pursuing a PhD program. It’s also perfect for Master of Divinity graduates and pastors on sabbatical who would benefit from one year of advanced academic study in an area of theological interest. You can also choose to complete a concentration in the STM Program (see below).

CTS offers the accredited STM degree completely online, on campus, or a hybrid of both. This first-of-its-kind degree program allows you to take all courses online, regardless of your location. Learn more about our online degrees here.

 

Concentrations:

1. CHAPLAINCY STUDIES: Today, ministry is being engaged in public spaces far beyond the walls of churches. Chaplains are rooted and accountable to their religious tradition, but they serve people and communities who may have different religious backgrounds or have no religious affiliation. Various contexts, including hospital, military, prison, campus, and hospice, need highly trained chaplains who can faithfully serve the spiritual needs of all of God’s children. Chicago Theological Seminary’s unique course offerings, faculty expertise, and interreligious engagement support students’ vocational discernment and equip them for professional success. All students must complete the required course, Introduction to Chaplaincy Studies and 3 additional electives in the area of Chaplaincy Studies.

2. LGBTQ STUDIES: The program concentration in LGBTQ studies is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons, including professionals in fields other than ministry, who wish to explore LGBTQ issues within a theological framework. To qualify for the LGBTQ Concentration, a minimum of 4 elective courses in the area of LGBTQ Studies must be taken.

3. INTERRELIGIOUS ENGAGEMENT: This concentration is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons who wish to explore issues in Interreligious Engagement and the study of diverse religious traditions. Students who choose to concentrate in Interreligious Engagement may take courses toward the concentration either at CTS or via pre-approved courses at other Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) seminaries. All students must complete the required course, Introduction to Interreligious Engagement and 3 additional electives in the area of Interreligious Engagement.

4. STUDY OF BLACK FAITH & LIFE: This concentration is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons, including professionals in fields other than ministry, who wish to explore issues in the study of Black Faith and Life within a theological framework. Students who choose to concentrate in the Study of Black Faith & Life may take courses toward the concentration either at CTS or via pre-approved courses at other Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) seminaries. All students must complete the required Introduction to the Study of Black Faith & Life and 3 electives in the area of Study of Black Faith & Life.

5. MUSLIM STUDIES: This concentration is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons who wish to deeply explore the field of Muslim Studies. Students who choose to concentrate in Muslim Studies may take courses toward the concentration either at CTS, through Bayan, via pre-approved courses at other Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) seminaries, or via pre-approved courses at other graduate institutions. All students must complete the required Introduction to Muslim Studies and 3 electives in the area of Muslim Studies.

 

Program Goals & Learning Outcomes:

PROGRAM GOALS

• STM graduates will have acquired advanced knowledge of and capacity to interpret and communicate a specific aspect of one or more theological/ethical and religious traditions.
• STM graduates will be able to think critically about theological/ethical and religious traditions.
• STM graduates will be able to complete graduate level academic research in religious studies.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Students will apply advanced knowledge of religious traditions appropriately in scholarly research.
• Students will demonstrate ability to construct and develop a substantial and sophisticated scholarly argument in religious studies.
• Students will demonstrate ability to think and write critically about religious traditions.
• Students will demonstrate ability to integrate the study of religion, theology and ethics with at least one of the following:

1. the study of the humanities or social sciences or
2. significant contemporary social or political issues or
3. practical engagement with a local congregation or community organization.

• Students will demonstrate in-depth scholarly knowledge in a specific area relating to religious studies.

Master of Arts

The Master of Arts (Religious Studies) is a two-year graduate program that focuses on the study of religious traditions, theology and ethics. Culminating with a Master’s Thesis, this program allows you to focus theological study in an area of personal interest. This is an appropriate degree if you are preparing for further study at the doctoral level; seeking advanced theological study as a foundation for service; or simply wish to study theology and religion without the aim of entering professional ministry.

CTS now offers a fully-accredited MA online. This first-of-its-kind degree program allows you to study here regardless of location. Learn more about our online degrees here.

Program Goals and Learning Outcomes:

PROGRAM GOALS

• MA graduates will have acquired foundational knowledge of and the capacity to interpret and communicate religious traditions.
• MA graduates will be able to think critically about religious traditions.
• MA graduates will be able to complete graduate level academic research in religious studies.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Students will apply foundational knowledge of religious traditions appropriately in scholarly research.
• Students will demonstrate ability to construct and develop a substantial scholarly argument in religious studies.
• Students will demonstrate ability to think and write critically about religious traditions.
• Students will demonstrate in-depth scholarly knowledge in a specific area relating to religious studies.

MA Concentrations:

Islamic Studies

This concentration, offered in agreement with Bayan at CTS, is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons who wish to explore Islamic thought and practices. Students who choose to concentrate in Islamic Studies may take courses toward the concentration either at CTS, Bayan at CTS, or via pre-approved courses at other Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) seminaries.

Interreligious Studies

This concentration is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons who wish to explore issues in Interreligious Engagement and the study of diverse religious traditions. Students who choose to concentrate in Interreligious Engagement may take courses toward the concentration either at CTS or via pre-approved courses at other Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) seminaries.

Chaplaincy Studies

This concentration is designed specifically for those pursuing chaplaincy. Students must take three elective courses in the concentration area plus focus their thesis in that area as well in order to satisfy the concentration requirements.

LGBTQ+ Studies

This concentration offers a specialized study in LGBTQ+ faith and life. Students must take three elective courses in the concentration area plus focus their thesis in that area as well in order to satisfy the concentration requirements.

The Study of Black Faith and Life

This concentration is designed to offer a specialized course of study for persons, including professionals in fields other than ministry, who wish to explore issues in the study of Black Faith and Life within a theological framework. Students who choose to concentrate in the Study of Black Faith & Life may take courses toward the concentration either at CTS or via pre-approved courses at other Association of Theological Schools (ACTS) seminaries.